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Funding Opportunities

IDENTIFY & EXPLORE SMALL BUSINESS FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

The following funding opportunities are active as of December 19, 2025. Please check back every month for new additions and updates.
 
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
Learn more here
The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program provides business education, support services, and pathways to capital for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Participants gain practical skills to take their business to the next level with topics like financial statements, negotiations, and marketing.
 
LEDC Growth Loans
Learn more here
LEDC is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) providing alternative financing to help build and grow local businesses.

DMPED Great Streets Grants
Amount: Variable
Deadline: January 16th, 2026
Learn more here
The program aims to strengthen and revitalize commercially underserved corridors by supporting new and existing businesses through investments that go beyond traditional capital improvements.
 
DMPED Locally Made Manufacturing Grants
Amount: Variable
Deadline: January 16th, 2026
Learn more here
The purpose of the program is to encourage the production of consumer goods in the District of Columbia and add vibrancy and economic stability to the Great Streets corridors. Funding to DC manufacturers will allow them to enhance production capacity, increase employment for local residents, and strengthen DC’s manufacturing sector.
 
DMPED Emerging Retail Initiative Grant Program
Amount: up to $20,000
Deadline: January 16th, 2026
Learn more here
The purpose of the program is to create a low-risk environment for businesses to test their concepts, build brand awareness, and scale toward permanent brick-and-mortar operations, ultimately fostering economic vibrancy, sustainability, and community engagement in underserved commercial corridors.
 
DSLBD Robust Retail Grant 
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: January 20th, 2026
Learn more here
DSLBD FY 2026 Robust Retail Citywide grant(s) support existing DC-based retail businesses in maintaining operations and viability.
 
Special Event Relief Fund
Learn more here
Applications are open for the Special Event Fund, which helps cover District government fees for free, outdoor events that celebrate DC culture and drive local economic impact. Applications are open on a rolling basis for events occurring through September 30, 2026.
 
Small Business Readiness for Resiliency
Deadline: Rolling
Learn More
Developed in partnership with founding sponsor FedEx, the Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program (R4R) is a multi-year initiative to empower small business owners to proactively mitigate the risks posed by disasters.
 
Awesome Foundation Grant
Learn more here

Black Founder Startup Grant
Learn more here

BREVA Thrive Grant
Learn more here

Comcast Innovation Fund
Learn more here

DC Community Grant Program
Learn more here

Freed Fellowship Grant
Learn more here

Hustler’s Microgrant
Learn more here

National Association of the Self-Employed
Learn more here

Outta Excuses
Learn more here

Start.Pivot.Grow
Learn more here

Skip Monthly Grants
Learn more here

Wish Local Empowerment Program
Learn more here

YippityDoo Big Idea Grant
Learn more here

ZenBusiness
Learn more here

The Coalition Guide to Small Business Financing
Descargar Guía en Español
Download Guide in English
 
DC Security Camera Rebate Program
Learn more here
 
LISC Small Business Seeking Financing Ready Series
Learn more here
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202.421.7825
[email protected]
4401 A. Connecticut Ave., NW #126 Washington, DC 20008
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​​© Van Ness Main Streets, Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Home
  • About
    • About Van Ness
    • Business Tools >
      • Business News & Updates
      • Funding Opportunities
      • Training and Education
      • Small Business Resources
      • Technical Assistance
      • Locate Space
      • Research & Information
    • History of Van Ness Main Street
    • Mission Statement
    • Board of Directors
    • Committees
    • Open For Business
    • Annual Report
    • DC Main Streets
  • Explore VNMS
  • Events
    • Volunteer for the Park and Playground Cleanup
  • Special Programs
    • Small Business Support
    • Pollinator Planting Program
    • Forest Hills Connection
    • Good, Clean, Fun Initiative
  • Get Involved
    • Join a Committee
    • Volunteer
    • Contact
    • Follow Us
  • Donate